Gestational Diabetes - what are my rights?

[c192837]

I must be on the cusp, I have had 2 OGTT tests now, both of which have failed. The first failed as my second bloods were taken 25 minutes early. I had a repeat one, and it still reads as over.

I'm okay with that as I have recently moved health board and hospital and the consultants treating me are obstetrics and antenatal specialists. Not Diabetic and Renal Consultants that don't have any links to the maternity services.

However; my current diet; even when I have a bad day I am always reading what I should be. I have had 0 hypos and I'm never too low either. I'm not diet controlled as I know that nothing is spiking. I have been testing for a month.

So I have GD but I'm convinced I don't, my babies grow is fine, I have a healthy BMI and I exercise plenty.

I'm 33 weeks, and I guess I want to know how other people planned their births with GD? Will I be induced three weeks before due date? Am I still allowed to have the baby how I like so long as I am in hospital? i.e. a water birth.. HELP!!

Unless your hospital trust is different, you can go until 40+6 whilst having GD (NICE guidelines). People only tend to be induced earlier if there are problems with the baby’s growth or other complications, GD or non-GD related.

Why do you think your second test failed other than it gave you a result that you didn’t want?

GD is hormonal by the way and nothing to do with exercise or BMI albeit it a higher BMI can increase the risk but it’s not the cause.

Having GD doesn’t automatically mean you will have a larger baby especially if your blood sugar levels are kept in control. There are other risks associated with GD with I suggest you educate yourself on.

P.S you can only have hypos if you’re on insulin.

GD will mean that it’ll be RECOMMENDED you’re induced by 40+6 (earlier in Scotland I think).
You’ll be ADVISED to have a hospital birth.
If your baby is very large, the consultant will DISCUSS with you C/S vs VD. It’s all up for discussion and you shouldn’t feel forced or railroaded into any decisions.

Your insulin and glucose levels may need to be monitored during labour which potentially could mean a drip if needed and that would hinder being able to move about as much and mean no water birth.

I am fully aware that it is hormonal. I’ve cared for diabetics; and the only reason I mentioned the factors such as BMI and babies grow is due to the confusion my professionals are also having. They are also miffed by my blood results when it comes to monitoring. As they’re fine, with no intervention. It’s just the GTT that fails. So they’ve been looking at other factors that could indicate why I keep failing a GTT. I have been treated with insulin, but no hypos, I was trialed on it. Hence why I mentioned hypo.

The GD consultants advise early induction whether your baby is large or not in my hospital. And I don’t particularly want that if the baby is healthy and the GD is posing no risk at the time. I am totally aware of the risks that come with GD, I just wanted to see what others did and whether they were able to go to their due date and over, if that makes sense! It’s more to early induction thing that was bothering me. Especially seeing as at the very point consultants are happy with myself and the baby.

I'm curious why they treated you with insulin when your readings (aside from OGTT) were all normal? Even if it's part of a trial, I thought insulin was a last resort that's only used in 10% of GD which can't be controlled through diet? Surely there's no good medical reason for someone who may be borderline or not diabetic at all to be put on insulin.

I'm in a similar situation, I failed my OGTT by a narrow margin and was diagnosed with GD. I improved my diet and monitored blood sugar 4x a day for two weeks which only produced normal values; below 100 (5.6mmol) for fasting and post-prandial. Had my checkup today and they basically dismissed the issue saying I only have to check sporadically from now on and there is no risk to the baby as long as glucose levels remain below 95 (5.3mmol) fasting and 120 (6.7mmol) 2hrs post-meal. There was absolutely no mention of having to bring the birth date forward or anything else.

Regarding the GTT, hydration can be a factor. I have significantly lower readings after I drink a glass of water after waking up compared to testing immediately when you're still feeling parched and sweaty. If you're not fully hydrated before the GTT, it could push your first value up which has a knock-on effect with all the others.

I know, this is what I’ve been wondering! But I’m not on it anymore! I would much rather be doing what you doing.. which is sporadically test. My fasting and post meal is always fine.

I’m always drinking water and my OGTT fails are as small as .3 over. Part of me is questioning the accuracy of the OGTT. I’m not at all disappointed or upset by it. I’ve been diagnosed so I shall engage with treatment. :) just rather confused by how they’re treating the situation! haha